Arabian Hospitality
Investment Conference

Part of FHS

25-27 September | Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Programme

Day One - Monday 20 September 2021

PRE-EVENT NETWORKING - TENNIS

07:30 – 11:00

LOCATION: Madinat Jumeirah Al Qasr

Showcase your tennis skills on the courts of the Madinat Jumeirah and the first Mouratoglou Tennis Center in Dubai, launched by Patrick Mouratoglou, one of the most influential coaches in tennis. Nicknamed “The Coach”, Patrick is considered the gold standard on the international circuit and has been the official coach of Serena Williams since 2012.

The members of the winning team will each be awarded a Vertuo Deluxe machine courtesy of Nespresso live on stage at AHIC on 20th of September.


Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot and will be available shortly.

AHIC 2021

WORKSHOP

09:00 – 10:45

ROOM: AHIC Chat

HAMA ASSET MANAGEMENT MEMBERS' WORKSHOP

Hosted By:

Beil Rene cropped

René Beil
President, HAMA MEA

Amit Nayak new pic

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President and Executive Board Member, HAMA MEA

GRIF INSIGHTS

08:45 – 09:00

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Welcome by Jennifer Pettinger-Haines

Jennifer cropped

Jennifer Pettinger-Haines
Managing Director Middle East, Bench

09:00 – 09:25

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Global overview - what are the key trends shifts and changes? Looking at innovation and inspiration in hospitality from around the globe

Calleja Ben cropped

Benjamin Calleja
Chief Executive Officer, Livit Design

09:25 – 10:00

ROOM: AHIC Studio

What changes have operators and investors from around the world seen in their own businesses and how have they innovated?

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Emma Banks
Vice President, F&B Strategy and Development EMEA, Hilton

Antonio Gonzalez cropped

Antonio Gonzalez
Chief Executive Officer, Sunset Hospitality Group

Mac Lean Jillian2

Jillian MacLean
Founder & CEO, Drake & Morgan

Chris Miller

Chris Miller
Founder, White Rabbit Projects

10:00 – 11:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

THE SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE

How Innovation Can Drive The Future Of A More Sustainable Hospitality Industry?

The SHC has challenged students from leading international hotel schools to address a real-life case study "The Future of Hospitality 2050“ based on the sustainable challenges that the industry is currently facing. This year, finalists will pitch their innovative ideas to a prominent jury of senior industry leaders with the finalists being acknowledged on stage at AHIC on 21 September.

Jury Members:

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Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality

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Dirk Bakker
Head of EMEA Hotels & CEO Netherlands, Colliers

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Tim Cordon
Senior Area Vice President Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

Haitham Mattar SM Newpic

Haitham Mattar 
Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG

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Wolfgang M. Neumann
Chairman, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Sleiffer Jochem Jan photo sm

Jochem-Jan Sleiffer
President Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Hilton

Tuckness Morgan cropped

Morgan Tuckness
LEED-AP Design & Architecture, NEOM Hotel Development

Walia Sandeep photo

Sandeep Walia
Chief Operating Officer Middle East, Marriott International

Mark Willis sm

Mark Willis
Chief Executive Officer, India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Accor

Participants:

Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)

LUKAS EHL

Lukas Lauber
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne

Hanzawa Stefano cropped

Stefano Abedum de Lima Hanzawa
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne

Mignot Eve EHL

Eve Mignot
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne

Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM)

Constantin Mara HIM

Mara Constantin
Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM)

Linnarinne Felix HIM sm

Felix Linnarinne
Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM)

Tian Chen Lott HIM SM

Chen (Lott) Tian
Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM)

Hotelschool The Hague

Eggink David Hague sm

David Eggink
Hotelschool The Hague

Anja Metzler sm

Anja Metzler
Hotelschool The Hague

Schultze Nicolas Hague sm

Nicolas Schultze
Hotelschool The Hague

Ryerson University

Novotny Michelle Ryerson

Michelle Novotny
Ryerson University

Patel Raina Ryerson

Raina Patel
Ryerson University

Brian Ryerson3

Brian Riback
Ryerson University

Université de Cergy-Pontoise Paris Seine, School of International Hospitality Management

Maghrebi Yahya Cergy sm

Yahya Maghrebi
Université de Cergy-Pontoise Paris Seine, School of International Hospitality Management

Manamperi Ines photo sm

Inès Manamperi
Université de Cergy-Pontoise Paris Seine, School of International Hospitality Management

Nguyen Thi Hanh Cergy

Thi Hanh Nguyen
Université de Cergy-Pontoise Paris Seine, School of International Hospitality Management

Zuyd Hotelschool Maastricht

Duindam Fei Maastricht sm

Fei Duindam
Zuyd Hotelschool Maastricht

Goetheer Aafke Maastricht sm

Aafke Goetheer
Zuyd Hotelschool Maastricht

GRIF INSIGHTS

10:00 – 10:30

ROOM: AHIC Studio

A Changed Mindset Has Emerged for Dining

Where will we see the shift from concepts, design and the bottom line?

Eric Ullmann Headshot cropped

Eric Ullmann
Principal, OBMI

Lynne Bellinger smm

Lynne Bellinger
Director of Food & Beverage Development, Marriott International

Abell Christian hi res pic

Christian Abell
Founder and Creative Officer, Architaste

10:30 – 10:45

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Growing your concepts within and outside GCC, lessons learnt and things to consider


Fakhreddine Rabih cropped

Rabih Fakhreddine
CEO & Founder, 7 Management

Ghanem Fady hi res pic

Fady Ghanem
Partner, Corporate Structuring, Al Tamimi & Company

10:45 – 11:00

ROOM: AHIC Studio

How communicating with your customer has evolved

How do you communicate now? Understanding the shift from the ME culture to community. Looking at the importance of immersive touch points as well as data when planning your communications strategy.

Spanko Petra Boutry photo

Petra Boutry Spanko
Regional Director, Katch International

Georgina Woollams Bio Image

Georgina Woollams
Founder & Managing Director, Katch International

11:00 – 11:20

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Innovating the traditional food hall model globally. What have they learnt from their operations around the world and how are they creating an appealing model for landlords?

David Singleton HME

David Singleton
Partner, Strategic Advisor and Coach, Socius Group

In conversation with:

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Didier Souillat
Chief Executive Officer, Time Out Market

11:20 – 11:40

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Convenience, Choice and Community – why they are so crucial? How KRUSH Brands plans to cater to this need

Ohan Ian hi res2

Ian Ohan
Founder & CEO, KRUSH Brands

THE AHIC INNOVATION DEN

11:00 – 12:00

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Business Start-ups That Are Transforming The Industry

Participants:

Cighi Catalin photo

Catalin Cighi
Managing Partner, Cain Group

Homsy Noelle headshot

Noelle Homsy
Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges

Hamza Khan sm

Hamza Khan
Co-founder, Letswork

Mekouar Jalil reduced

Jalil Mekouar
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, inHovate Solutions

Oweimrin Jareer cropped

Jareer Oweimrin
Co-Founder, Fluidmeet

Petit Pascal photo

Pascal Petit
Founder & CEO, Thynk

Sajdi Fuad colored pic

Fuad Sajdi
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Toggle Market

Judges:

Haddad Bani cropped

Bani Haddad
Founder & Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality

Michael Levie new

Michael Levie
Co-Founder, KUBE Ventures & CitizenM

To be considered for the AHIC Innovation Den, please send details of your start-up to jonathan@benchevents.com

11:30 – 12:30

Networking Lunch

12:30 – 12:45

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Welcome to AHIC 2021

Jonathan 2 2019

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO, Bench

12:45 – 13:10

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Global outlook – recent developments and opportunities for growth

Khatija Haque cropped

Khatija Haque
Chief Economist and Head of Research, Global Markets & Treasury, Emirates NBD

13:10 – 13:25

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Samih Sawiris on macro-economic environment and what can be done to support the ongoing recovery and development of the hospitality sector

Aradhana KHOWALA sm

Aradhana Khowala
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Aptamind Partners

In conversation with:

Samih Sawiris sm

Samih Sawiris
Chairman, Orascom Hotels and Development

13:25 – 13:40

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Where are we now and what are some of the key learnings from the last 18 months for the future?

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Robin Rossmann
Managing Director, STR

13:40 – 14:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Following on CEO perspective

How his regions have adapted over the last 18 months and what key lessons are he applying moving forward? Where are the bright spots?

Kenneth Macpherson

Kenneth Macpherson
Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa, IHG

14:00 – 14:45

ROOM: AHIC Stage

The investors' perspective

Where is investment heading? Where do investors see the opportunities moving forward? How is the asset class of hospitality and tourism viewed? Looking at the long term perspective.

Neil cropped

Neil George
Managing Director, InnSight Advisory

In conversation with:

Karim Abdel Latif cropped

Karim Abdel-Latif
Investment Professional, Actis

Fardan Al Fardan xs

Fardan Al Fardan
Senior Executive Officer, Embassy Capital Limited

Amr El Nady edit2

Amr El Nady
Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA and EVP, Global Hotel Desk, JLL

Klohr Philipp photo

Philipp Klohr
Vice President - UAE Diversified Assets, Mubadala

14:45 – 15:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Federico J. González, Global CEO, Radisson Hotel Group in conversation with Jonathan Worsley, Chairman, Bench on Innovation and Transformation - the necessity of constant evolution

González Federico J photo

Federico J. González
Global Chief Executive Officer, Radisson Hotel Group

15:00 – 15:10

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Rethinking hospitality developments creating lifestyle destinations for today's consumer

Fusing media, flexible destination dining and memberships.

David Singleton HME

David Singleton
Partner, Strategic Advisor and Coach, Socius Group

In conversation with:

Valentino Stephen hi res

Stephen Valentino
Chief Executive Officer, The London Project

15:10 – 15:15

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Special announcement from KRUSH Brands

Ohan Ian hi res2

Ian Ohan
Founder & CEO, KRUSH Brands

15:15 – 16:00

Networking Coffee Break

AHIC off the record

15:30 – 16:15

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Owner – operator agreements

What are some of the latest trends in the market and does there seem to be a shift in last 18 months from the standard management contract?

Anib Khalid photo

Khalid Anib
Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi National Hotels PJSC

Arnott Ian photo

Ian Arnott
Senior Counsel, Al Tamimi & Company

Anton Bawab cropped

Anton Bawab
Head of Operations, The Red Sea Development Company

Saba Paul photo

Paul Saba
Vice President & Senior Counsel, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

16:00 – 16:20

ROOM: AHIC Stage

How do we foster transformation and change in hospitality?

Marloes Knippenberg cropped

Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality

In conversation with:

Keen David sm

David Keen
Co-Founder, KUBE Ventures

Michael Levie new

Michael Levie
Co-Founder, KUBE Ventures & CitizenM

16:20 – 16:35

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Covid, a never before seen catalyst for innovation?

Historically with all previous major disruptions to travel and tourism we have seen a quick return to the status quo. Covid has sparked long and lasting change, what is the impact now and moving forward?

Berlin martin

Dr. Martin Berlin
Partner & Global Deals Real Estate Leader, PwC

16:35 – 17:15

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Discussion with industry leaders on innovation and changes occurring within their own businesses, operations and strategies moving forward

Berlin martin

Dr. Martin Berlin
Partner & Global Deals Real Estate Leader, PwC

In conversation with:

Guy Hutchinson sm

Guy Hutchinson
President & Chief Executive Officer, Rotana

Chris Miller

Chris Miller
Founder, White Rabbit Projects

Vijay cropped

Vijay Raghavan
Director, Golden Sands Hotel Group

Walia Sandeep photo

Sandeep Walia
Chief Operating Officer Middle East, Marriott International

17:15 – 17:45

ROOM: AHIC Stage

FDI investment funds - how are governments supporting and investing into the hospitality sector?

Amit Nayak new pic

Amit Nayak, CHA
Vice President and Executive Board Member, HAMA MEA

In conversation with:

Imad Barrakad NEW

Imad Barrakad
Chairman & CEO, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT)

Lavallo Salvatore webpic

Salvatore Lavallo
Head of Foreign Direct Investment, Abu Dhabi Investment Office

Yousuf Lootah cropped

Yousuf Lootah
Executive Director, Tourism Development & Investments, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

17:45 – 18:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Closing Keynote Conversation: Leading in a Crisis and Looking to the Future

Jonathan 2 2019

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO, Bench

In conversation with:

Adeeb ahamed sm

Adeeb Ahamed
Managing Director, Twenty14 Holdings

NETWORKING RECEPTION

18:15 – 20:00

LOCATION: Majlis A Salam Ballroom

We are delighted to be back home at the Madinat Jumeirah, a place where some of the most memorable moments have taken place including being the first event to take place at the Madinat Conference Centre over 15 years ago!

For the Opening Reception, we will be immersed into an experience that has been tailored by Jumeirah’s award winning chefs and signature services and showcasing charming Arabian hospitality and class that Jumeirah is well-known for.

Day Two - Tuesday 21 September 2021

DISCUSSION

08:15 – 09:00

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Breakfast with the bankers

An opportunity to have an off the record discussion and ask your questions.

Pre-registration on the event app/registration required.

Norman FON SING sm

Norman Fon Sing
Head of Corporate and Domestic Banking, SBM Bank Mauritius

Kapil cropped

Kapil Jobanputra
Head, Commercial Real Estate, AME, Standard Chartered Bank

Jamie Odgers cropped

Jamie Odgers
Associate Director, Real Estate Banking Europe, Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered Bank

Martin Alejandro hi res

Alejandro Martin
Head - Multinationals, International Wholesale Banking Group, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Qureshi Zain Photo

Zain Qureshi
Executive Vice President, Global Head of Real Estate Finance & Advisory, Mashreq

09:00 – 09:15

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Investing with confidence in the return of travel

Acquisitions, refurbishment and new markets. How Jumeirah is placing its confidence and cash in the hotel sector?

Jonathan 2 2019

Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO, Bench

In conversation with:

Jose Silva cropped

José Silva
Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts

09:15 – 09:45

ROOM: AHIC Stage

What is the regional tourism outlook and how is the public and private sector innovating to jumpstart the industry

Mendiratta Anita photo 2021

Anita Mendiratta
Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO

In conversation with:

Kazim Issam cropped

Issam AbdulRahim Kazim
Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM)

Kashif Khalid photo

Kashif Khalid
Regional Director - Africa & Middle East, IATA

Amine E Moukarzel reduced

Amine Moukarzel
President, Louvre Hotels Group/Golden Tulip MENA

Sleiffer Jochem Jan photo sm

Jochem-Jan Sleiffer
President Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Hilton

09:45 – 09:55

ROOM: AHIC Stage

The New Normal: How COVID-19 Has Changed the Hotel Operating Model?

Michael Grove

Michael Grove
Chief Operating Officer, HotStats

09:55 – 10:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

The new normal for profitability - is it different to the old normal?

How is the operating model shifting and are owners and operators expectations around profitability shifting as well?

Grinnell Alison New Photo

Alison Grinnell
Chief Executive Officer, RAK Hospitality Holding LLC

In conversation with:

Ahdab Hassan

Hassan Ahdab
President of Hotels Operations, Dur Hospitality

Marcus bernhardt sm

Marcus Bernhardt
Chief Executive Officer, Steigenberger Hotels AG/ Deutsche Hospitality

Hamid Sidine Photo

Hamid Sidine
Chief Operating Officer MEA, Millennium Hotels & Resorts

Von Bonsdorff Gabriel cropped

Gabriel von Bonsdorff
Principal - Hospitality, Investment Corporation of Dubai

GRIF INSIGHTS

10:00 – 10:10

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Welcome back to GRIF@AHIC

Grant Sarah Jane2

Sarah-Jane Grant
Director, LXA

10:10 – 10:25

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Covid-19's Impact on eating habits in UAE and KSA

Muhammad Ali Syed photo cr

Muhammad Ali Syed
Chief Executive Officer, Mingora

10:25 – 10:55

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Scaling up - driving and sustaining growth during uncertain times

Wright Greg hi res cropped

Greg Wright
Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Food People

In conversation with:

Panchali cropped

Panchali Mahendra
Managing Director, Atelier House Hospitality

Hamadeh Samer cropped

Samer S. Hamadeh
Founder, Big Mouth Concepts

Jessica Kahawaty cr2

Jessica Kahawaty
CEO & Founder, Mama Rita

10:30 – 11:00

Networking Coffee break

GRIF INSIGHTS

10:55 – 11:10

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Analysing 22,000 restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – what did we learn?

Alexis Marcoux fw

Alexis Marcoux-Varvatsoulis
Foodservice Consulting Lead, MEA, JLL

11:00 – 11:25

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Hard Talk with Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor

Van marken Nick Photo 1

Nick van Marken
Managing Director, van Marken Limited

In conversation with:

Bazin Sebastien cropped

Sébastien Bazin
Chairman & CEO, Accor

GRIF INSIGHTS

11:10 – 11:40

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Celebrating regional excellence – is the Middle East reaching a tipping point in both local and global recognition of its talent and food scene?

Banks Emma sm

Emma Banks
Vice President, F&B Strategy and Development EMEA, Hilton

De Brito Claudia photo

Claudia de Brito
Gulf Academy Chair, MENA's 50 Best Restaurants

Ellis Michael sm

Michael Ellis
Founder and President, Passionomy.tv

Ohan Ian hi res2

Ian Ohan
Founder & CEO, KRUSH Brands

Samantha Wood SM

Samantha Wood
Founder, FooDiva

11:25 – 11:45

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Sustainable Hospitality Challenge

Winner Presentation & Award Giving

Bazin Sebastien cropped

Sébastien Bazin
Chairman & CEO, Accor

Marloes Knippenberg cropped

Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality

GRIF INSIGHTS

11:40 – 12:05

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Leveraging Technology to increase operational efficiency and ROI

David Singleton HME

David Singleton
Partner, Strategic Advisor and Coach, Socius Group

In conversation with:

Holman Andrew John photo

Andy Holman
Chief Executive Officer, Eathos Ltd

Chandran Ravi newphoto

Ravi Chandran
Chief Executive Officer, Liwa Minor

Tjalling cropped

Tjalling van den Burger
Country Manager – UAE & International Markets, Foodics

11:45 – 12:20

ROOM: AHIC Stage

How is the industry responding to the “Changing Sustainability Dynamics"?

Wolfgang Neumann photo sm

Wolfgang M. Neumann
Chairman, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

In conversation with:

Albert Stephen cropped

Stephen Albert, RIBA CSD
Director, Architecture - London, SB Architects

Al Zubi Ibrahim N photo

Ibrahim N. Al-Zu’bi
Chief Sustainability Officer, Majid Al Futtaim-Holding

Inge Sm

Inge Huijbrechts
Global Senior Vice President Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications, Radisson Hotel Group

Poirson Brune photo sm

Brune Poirson
Chief Sustainability Officer, Accor

GRIF INSIGHTS

12:05 – 12:15

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Looking at the numbers around hotel F&B

How has demand for F&B evolved over recent years in comparison to the declines in RevPAR / Occ%. As discounting has become prevalent and the cost of goods increasing, what is the real impact?

Michael Grove

Michael Grove
Chief Operating Officer, HotStats

AHIC INSIGHTS

12:15 – 12:35

ROOM: AHIC Chat

What is the future of cities?

The role of cities has come under pressure over the past year, as the way we live, work, and play have altered the value we place on housing, office space, retailing and F&B in the city centre. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on city centres? What are the opportunities and challenges in the future to be aware of faced by the city centre? Looking at Global case studies.

Khawar Khan V1 BW

Khawar Khan
Head of Research, JLL

12:20 – 12:35

ROOM: AHIC Stage

The Future of Resorts

Key emerging consumer trends that are driving innovation

Peck Tim Photo cr

Tim Peck
Chairman, OBMI

AHIC INSIGHTS

12:35 – 13:00

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Round Table Market spotlight Egypt: looking at one of the fastest growing markets in the region

What do investors and operators need to know about getting into this booming market? What types of homegrown concepts are succeeding and have potential to grow regionally?

Nader Ralph cropped

Ralph Nader
Chief Executive Officer, Amber Consulting

In conversation with:

Aoun Mario cropped

Mario Aoun
CEO & Founder, BBQ Bros

Ghabbour Freddie photo

Freddie Ghabbour
Partner Egypt, Amber Consulting

Mario Jr Haddad cropped

Mario Jr. Haddad
Owner / Managing Partner, Passion Projects

12:35 – 13:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Regenerative Tourism and partnerships which enable it to be a reality

Van marken Nick Photo 1

Nick van Marken
Managing Director, van Marken Limited

In conversation with:

Pagano John ed

John Pagano
Group Chief Executive Officer, The Red Sea Development Company & AMAALA

13:00 – 14:00

Networking Lunch

AHIC Interactive

13:45 – 14:30

ROOM: AHIC Chat

What is the ROI that wellness can add to your property?

What are the keys to creating a genuine wellness offering and how can you tap into this lucrative segment of the market? Why is it an increasingly attractive segment for investors?

Boldy Paul photo

Paul Boldy
Managing Director, Middle East, RLA Global

Kathryn Moore cropped

Kathryn Moore
Founder & Managing Director, Spa Connectors & Hall of Wellness Awards

14:00 – 14:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Development Bright Spots in the Middle East & Africa

Where are the opportunites and who has the money? What types of brands and products are proving popular?

Aboudi Asali cropped

Aboudi Asali
Senior Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality MEA, JLL

In conversation with:

Abboud Louis cropped

Louis Abi Abboud
Deputy Head, Lifestyle Brands & Vice President Development, Middle East, Africa, India & Turkey, Accor

Briet Jerome Photo cr

Jerome Briet
Chief Development Officer - Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

Carlos Khneisser sm

Carlos Khneisser
Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton

14:30 – 15:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

How African Numbers have changed?

Thomas emanual director

Thomas Emanuel
Director, STR

Petit Olivier photo

Olivier Petit
Partner, In Extenso Tourisme, Culture & Hôtellerie

AHIC INTERACTIVE

14:30 – 15:15

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Design Workshop

In an era of lifestyle and millennial targeted hotels how do you define your brand positioning? From a design and brand prospective, with expectations moving so quickly, how do you design a hotel that is going to be competitive in five years’ time? How do you know what a consumer wants before they do? How do you build in increased flexibility?

Rabih Feghali sm

Rabih Feghali
AHIC Advisory Board Member,

Merieau Christian cropped

Christian Merieau
Managing Director / Partner, MMAC Design Associates

Maliha Nishat cropped

Maliha Nishat
Director of Interior Design for Global Design, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

Najee Syriani cropped

Najee Syriani
Corporate Vice President – Projects, Rotana

AHIC Interactive

14:30 – 15:15

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Covid as a transformative force for asset management

What has changed and how has technology been embraced?

Beil Rene cropped

René Beil
President, HAMA MEA

In conversation with:

Christopher Hewett cropped

Christopher Hewett
Vice President - Hospitality, Al Hamra Real Estate Development

Walter Knight f1

Walter Knight
Director of Hospitality, Farnek Services

Mekouar Jalil reduced

Jalil Mekouar
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, inHovate Solutions

Shamseddin Jad photo

Jad Shamseddin
Chief Operating Officer, Aleph Hospitality

15:00 – 15:40

ROOM: AHIC Stage

What are Possible Outcomes of the African Hospitality Market following Covid 19?

Consumer preferences and behaviors have changed, what are the concepts to invest in?

Doizelet Philippe Square

Philippe Doizelet
Director, Hotels and Real Estate, Voltere by Egis

In Conversation with:

Farhan Charaniya cr

Farhan Charaniya
Director, CHIC SARL

Hamza Farooqui sm

Hamza Farooqui
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Millat Investments

Mc Lachlan Andrew cropped

Andrew McLachlan
Managing Director, Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Hilton

Ramsay Rankoussi cropped

Ramsay Rankoussi
Vice President, Development, Africa & Turkey, Radisson Hotel Group

AHIC Interactive

15:15 – 16:00

ROOM: AHIC Studio

The rise of experiential eco-lodging in the Middle East

From luxury lodges and retreats, to glamping and eco-resorts

Rai Saurabh photo

Saurabh Rai
Global Brand Operations & Business Development, Beyond Green

In conversation with:

Bremner Donald cropped

Donald Bremner
Chief Operating Officer, RAK National Hotels

Maja Dimnik

Maja Dimnik
Founder & CEO, World of Glamping

Franco Luca photo

Luca Franco
Founder & CEO, Luxury Frontiers

Nader Chris Headshot

Chris Nader
Co-Founder & CEO, ENVI Lodges

AHIC Interactive

15:30 – 16:45

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Refurbishments to Revenue Management & Everything in Between

Looking at case studies across hotels and F&B outlets.

Lara Francis El Hani cropped

Lara Francis El Hani
Design Director, Kristina Zanic Consultants FZ

Keane Damien cropped

Damien Keane
Associate Director, Compass Project Consulting

Mangham Jocelyne cropped

Jocelyne Mangham
Senior Project Manager, Compass Project Consulting

15:40 – 16:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Investment Hard Talk on Africa

Godwin Wayne cropped

Wayne Godwin
Senior Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality Sub-Saharan Africa, JLL

In conversation with:

Olivier Granet Photo

Olivier Granet
Managing Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Kasada Capital Management

16:00 – 16:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Valuation Index for the Middle East & Africa

Assessing values today and down the road

Hala use this one

Hala Matar Choufany
President-Middle East, Africa and South Asia, HVS

In conversation with:

Damiba David photo

David Damiba
Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Kasada Capital Management

Kruger lourie newpic

Lourie Kruger
Head of Transactions, Africa and Middle East, Westmont Hospitality Group

Jamie Odgers cropped

Jamie Odgers
Associate Director, Real Estate Banking Europe, Middle East and Africa, Standard Chartered Bank

AHIC Interactive

16:00 – 16:45

ROOM: AHIC Studio

How Companies can Implement ESG into their Investment and Business Practices

General understanding of ESG, ESG investment and finance consequences (higher financing costs, less favourable valuation), ESG means different to different investors, how to make S tangible (community, staff and guests)

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Margaux Constantin
Partner, McKinsey & Company UAE

In conversation with:

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Tareq El Zayat, LLM, BSc
Managing Director & Corporate Counsel, OBMI

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Theodor Kubak
Managing Partner, Arbireo Capital & Value One Hospitality

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Jay Rosen
Group Chief Financial Officer, The Red Sea Development Company & AMAALA

16:30 – 17:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Best practice in debt restructuring and how will development financing go forward?

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Mark Dunford
Partner - Head of Investment & Commercial Agency, Cavendish Maxwell

In conversation with:

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Norman Fon Sing
Head of Corporate and Domestic Banking, SBM Bank Mauritius

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Kapil Jobanputra
Head, Commercial Real Estate, AME, Standard Chartered Bank

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Alejandro Martin
Head - Multinationals, International Wholesale Banking Group, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

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Zain Qureshi
Executive Vice President, Global Head of Real Estate Finance & Advisory, Mashreq

17:00 – 17:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Third party operators - is their time to shine in the Middle East and African markets? When does it make sense to convert management to franchise? How can you create synergies through cross operator platforms?

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Dirk Bakker
Head of EMEA Hotels & CEO Netherlands, Colliers

In conversation with:

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Bani Haddad
Founder & Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality

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Dr. Abbas Gullet
Chief Executive Officer, Boma Panafrican Ltd

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David Grant Thomson
Vice President, TFG Hotel Management Company

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Gabriel von Bonsdorff
Principal - Hospitality, Investment Corporation of Dubai

EVENING RECEPTION

17:30 – 20:00

LOCATION: Timo Restaurant & Terrace at Al Jaddaf Rotana

Timo restaurant and terrace at the all-new 5-star Al Jaddaf Rotana is a stunning venue offering indoor and outdoor spaces bringing authentic cuisine with a lively Mediterranean ambiance.

AHIC guests will have the pleasure to experience the ‘local’ offering of Rotana hospitality through an array of gastronomy dishes from around its renowned signature outlets, to enjoy inside or the outdoor lounge, with superb entertainment.

Day Three - Wednesday 22 September 2021

EVENT NETWORKING - GOLF

07:30 – 11:00

LOCATION - JA THE RESORT GOLF COURSE

Compete like a champion! JA The Resort Golf Course, designed by the famous Peter Harradine, is a champion-standard 9-hole PAR 35 golf course spread over 50 acres and set within the grounds of JA The Resort. Each hole is uniquely landscaped with exotic trees, shrubs and original desert flora. The course has established itself as one of the most prestigious spots for golf in Dubai playing host to legends including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Greg Norman.

The winner will be allocated a Vertuo Deluxe machine courtesy of Nespresso live on stage at AHIC on the 22nd of September.

09:00 – 09:25

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Global and Regional Outlook In the Era of Digital Transformation

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Henry Azzam, Ph.D
Senior Lecturer of Finance & Director of the Masters in Finance Program, Olayan School of Business (OSB), American University of Beirut

09:40 – 09:50

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Changing Landscape - Saudi Tourism

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Anita Mendiratta
Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO

In conversation with:

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Haitham Mattar 
Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG

09:50 – 10:00

ROOM: Main Stage

Changing Landscape - Saudi Tourism

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Anita Mendiratta
Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO

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Jerry Inzerillo
Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Gate Development Authority

09:25 – 09:40

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Addressing Saudi’s Investment Potential across the Tourism Sector

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Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO, Bench

In conversation with:

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Mahmoud Abdulhadi
Deputy Minister, Investment Attraction, Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia

AHIF Interactive

09:30 – 10:15

ROOM: AHIC Studio

What are hospitality products in Africa that will attract new customers?

Will health and leisure hotels be more in focus for future investments? How about apart hotels as longer stay seems to be new corporate culture. (And what about luxury products – what are guests expecting from luxury hotels in different markets?)

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James Wrenn
Associate Director | Hotels | MENA Region, Colliers

In conversation with:

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Mossadeck Bally
Founder, Azalaï Hotels Group

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Reda Faceh
VP Development Northern & Western Africa, Accor

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Amit Pravin Patel
Director, Coral Beach Club Limited

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Alain Sebah
President, Golden Tulip Africa

10:00 – 10:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Maximizing revenue streams

More important than ever is the ability to tap into the local market through Wellness, F&B and Beach Clubs. When does it work to do it yourself and when does it make sense to bring in an outside party?

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Christopher Lund
Director, Head of Hotels, MENA Region, Colliers

In conversation with:

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Anil Bhardwaj
Director, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises LLC

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Marloes Knippenberg
Chief Executive Officer, Kerten Hospitality

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Naim Maadad
Board Member, Dubai Restaurant Group, Chief Executive & Founder, Gates Hospitality

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Kathryn Moore
Founder & Managing Director, Spa Connectors & Hall of Wellness Awards

AHIC INTERACTIVE

10:00 – 10:30

ROOM: AHIC Chat

Human capital management and training in Africa

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Damien Rizzi
Head of Hospitality & Asset Management, Voltere by Egis

In conversation with:

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Anne-Marie Hannan
Vice President of Human Resources Middle East and Africa, Marriott International

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Joseph Abou Yaghi
Corporate Vice President Human Resources, Rotana

AHIC INTERACTIVE

10:15 – 11:00

ROOM: AHIC Studio

What are the most significant technologies in hotel development today

Digitalization, mobile technologies and touchless app’s, how are they changing the way hotels operate? How does new hotel tech improve service delivery and customer satisfaction? What are the 10 most signification technologies in hotel development today? Local tech vs chain approved technology what are the pro’s and con’s?

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Olivier Hennion
Managing Director, IT Hospitality

In conversation with:

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Arild Aastad
Strategic Partnerships, Virdee

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Farhan Charaniya
Director, CHIC SARL

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Roger Tabbal
Executive Director IT Middle East, Africa, India & Turkey - Customer Technology Services, Accor

10:30 – 11:00

Networking Coffee break

AHIC INTERACTIVE

10:45 – 11:30

ROOM: AHIC Chat

An open conversation on methodology and solutions to catalyse the movement for change within global hospitality

The session will discuss start-ups and how to make them omnipresent and drive change within the industry. We share and discuss how larger organisations can also benefit from this movement to recalibrate the industry and finally how to imbue values and a conscience at a granular level into every decision that is made.

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David Keen
Co-Founder, KUBE Ventures

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Paul Keen
Brand Architect, KUBE Ventures

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Michael Levie
Co-Founder, KUBE Ventures & CitizenM

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Simon Levie
Brand Architect, KUBE Ventures

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Henri Roelings
Founder & CEO, Hospitality Net

11:00 – 11:30

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Experiential Luxury – The Future of Tourism?

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Anita Mendiratta
Special Advisor to the Secretary General, UNWTO

In conversation with:

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Amr AlMadani
Chief Executive Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)

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Oliver Ripley
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Habitas

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Mark Willis
Chief Executive Officer, India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Accor

AHIC INTERACTIVE

11:15 – 11:45

ROOM: AHIC Studio

Re-positioning, re-branding and Conversion

When does it make sense? How do you mitigate the costs to maximise ROI?

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Scott Antel
Partner/Owner, Scotts FZ LLE

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Youssef Chraibi
Managing Director, MAGESPRO Africa

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Alban Mabille
Director, Development, North Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

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Trevor Ward
Managing Director, W Hospitality Group

Workshop

11:30 – 12:30

Future of Resorts Dialogue: Innovations in Design

An open conversation with designers and stakeholders to shape the next generation of resorts while exploring the progress of new models.

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Tim Peck
Chairman, OBMI

11:30 – 11:50

ROOM: AHIC Stage

The Foundations of Developing a Future Destination with Sustainability at the Core of Investment

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Nicolas Mayer
Industry Leader Hospitality and Tourism EMEA; Managing Partner Global Center of Excellence Tourism & Hospitality, PwC

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Andrew McEvoy
Head of the Tourism Sector, NEOM

11:50 – 12:00

ROOM: AHIC Stage

Heroes and “She”roes – work in progress or work not yet begun?

How the travel, tourism and hospitality sector can adopt gender diversity as part of their development agenda and demonstrate the politics of the possible.

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Aradhana Khowala
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Aptamind Partners

12:00 – 12:20

ROOM: AHIC Stage

The importance of culture and purpose to delivering great hospitality

One of the key issues the industry is facing globally is staffing. How can owners, operators and the broader industry work to create a culture that attracts a vibrant and diverse workforce?

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Aradhana Khowala
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Aptamind Partners

In conversation with:

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Simon Vincent
President EMEA & Executive Vice President, Hilton

12:30

NETWORKING LUNCH AT Madinat Jumeirah